The evolution of The Baby Grand C&F slot machines

[Sslots]

I promise my last post regarding The Baby Grand, there just wasnt a lot off information regarding them easily found so I thought I'll make a post about the evolution of The Baby Grand C&F slot machines, I've spent many hours researching and working on these and here are my findings.

From the first model in 1931 by C&F to the Genco Ballgum model in 1934 showcases a fascinating journey in design and functionality:

The first generation of TBG was created in 1931 and had a anti cheat device within them, similar to those you would see in Feilds Baby jack coin drop and also similar colours to those in Baby Jacks.


Versions and models:

1931 The Baby Grand:

The initial models of The Baby Grand featured an intricate anti-cheat mechanism, which was quickly removed before mass production due to frequent jamming everytime it was picked up or moved.
There was also more moving parts than you'll see in the later versions.

1932-33 The Baby Grand:

This model had a few key features upgraded on the mechanism making for a smoother running off the machine which is the most common TBG you see today.
But they also introduce two coinage options, Model A (Nickel) and Model B (Penny).
They also done a slightly different paint job on this version.

1933 Baby Grand:

This iteration retained the core mechanism of its predecessors but underwent a cosmetic transformation. The front and top panels were redesigned to achieve a sleeker look and a rebranding to simply "Baby Grand," omitting the preceding "The" from its name.

The 1933 Baby Grand came in both Model A and B.
This model is very hard to come by as it only just came out a few months before Fields got brought over, so didn't make it into mass production.

1934 Genco Baby Grand Vendor/ Baby Bell:
I've done another post about this, I'll post link below.

The Genco Baby Grand Vendor inspired by the Baby Grand, represented a refined and enhanced version of the original concept. This iteration integrated a vending machine feature and a sophisticated locking system that allowed for automatic payout to be turnt on/off. The machine seamlessly transitioned between its roles as a trade stimulator and a slot machine, embodying a harmonious blend of form and function.




There is apparently a dime version off The baby grand by C&F as well, however I've not seen any proof off this as off yet.


I'm happy to help anyone who's got any questions regarding them, or anyone who needs support with one.

I'll include some photos off each machine and will include some old adverts I've found.

Thanks

Frankie

Genco Baby Grand Vendor post

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=10121

[flyingfred]

Very well done post. I really enjoyed the history lesson.

-Fred-

[Sslots]

Very well done post. I really enjoyed the history lesson.

-Fred-

Thanks Fred appreciate it

Hope you're doing good

[Sslots]

So I've come across something unexpected.

I’ve found two different write-ups from 1933:

1️⃣ One states that Leo Burman of C&F was the creator of the new 1933 Baby.
2️⃣ The other, published just one month later, says:
“BINGO NOVELTY CO. – The feature of the exhibit was the new 1933 model of Baby Grand.”

From this, it looks like Burman was involved with both C&F and Bingo at the same time. And once Field/FIELDS was bought out, it appears that Leo may have taken over the remaining Baby Grand stock, parts, or tooling. He then pushed forward with a refreshed design, kept the existing C&F branding on the machines, but marketed or exhibited them through Bingo.

So if my understanding is correct, then in theory, the 1933 Baby Grand was originally produced by C&F, and after the buyout the front panel/cabinet styling was updated and the machines were released or displayed under Bingo.

[nvmos2]

Very interesting.
In which publication(S) did you find those 2 write-ups?
Thanks.

[Sslots]

Very interesting.
In which publication(S) did you find those 2 write-ups?
Thanks.

I'll reply to your Facebook message and will send over

[nvmos2]

What Facebook msg?
Nothing received